HomeAway is the world leader in vacation rentals with over 1 million listings. We offer the largest selection of properties for any travel occasion and every budget. We're committed to helping families and friends find a perfect vacation rental to create unforgettable travel experiences together.

We offer 2 separate cottages for rent: they each stand peacefully by themselves and afford great views onto volcano Hekla, the mountains and the surrounding pastures. Cottages 'Nordurnes' (for 2-3 persons) and 'Bjalli' (for up to 4 persons) are well equipped, cosy and in a scenic location on our 130 Hectare. On our land we also have horses, an outbuilding and our home, all generously spaced out for privacy and views.

Ideal location for daytrips to all the sights in the South of Iceland! Detailed information and descriptions are in the cottages for you. We gladly assist you with any queries you have!

Some of the day trips: Golden Circle, Geysir, Gullfoss and Thingvellir; Skogar waterfall and museum, bird cliffs near Vik (black beach) and Dyrholaey. Or take the ferry to the Westman Islands! Blue Lagoon and scenic drive along coast road; Reykjavik in 80km. In summer you can take the highland bus or Hekla taxi to Landmannalaugar and its hot springs in the highlands, or drive to the bottom of Hekla and hike to the top!

The nearest pool is 7km away. Insider tip: a very rustic old geothermal pool in the middle of nowhere: Seljavallalaug gamla, info in the cottages!

A very good riding stable is nearby (7 km), catering for beginners and experienced riders alike, see here for more information: www.herridarholl.is

Bird watching: From May until the end of July you can watch up to 20 bird species around the house and on our 130 hectares. Feel free to roam around! There are paths on our 130 hectare and you are welcome to explore and greet the horses.

Details for Bjalli 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4, 1 Bathroom

You enter 'Bjalli' through a little entrance room and turn right towards the kitchen and the open dining and sitting area with great views onto volcano Hekla and the surrounding horse and sheep pastures. The separate bed room for 2 also affords views onto Hekla. The bathroom is entered from the entrance room (shower and WC). Climbing up th eopen "samba"stairs you reach the open sleeping loft with 2 low but very comfortable beds (not save for small children). The house seems spacious and bright with its many windows and glass doors. Bjalli is about 700m from Nordurnes and stands near a drop off where elves have been known to live. Through the french windows facing south you can enjoy the views into the landscape all around. In winter - with a little luck - you can see the NORTHERN LIGHTS!

About Maja Siska

Originally german, I have lived here in Iceland since 2000 with my icelandic husband, icelandic dog, chickens and horses! We love our home and we enjoy sharing our knowledge and experiences of Iceland and our area with you. Originally I came here because of horse riding and today I feel at least as icelandic as anything else! I am looking forward to welcoming you in the country I chose to be my home!

Maja Siska purchased this house in 2005

Why Maja Siska chose Iceland

Nordurnes and Bjalli are each situated on their own in spectacular landscape: a cosy retreat with views onto horse pastures and mountains, volcanos and glaciers. And all that in an ideal location for trip to the sights of south Iceland, into the highlands and out for riding tours in summer… and the hour drive to Reykjavik ( 80km) over the pass Hellisheidi is always a scenic experience.

What makes this house unique

The atmosphere in Nordurnes and Bjalli is very peaceful and you are in touch with nature and the surrounding landscape. The idyllic setting with its views onto volcano Hekla and the mountains keeps surprising you! The next pool and the next riding stable is only 7km away.

Peace of mind when checking out through HomeAway

We'll back you with our Book with Confidence Guarantee™

You'll get comprehensive payment protection when checking out on our website

Reviews

Exceptional!5/5 -

(42 traveler reviews)

Amazing in every way!

We spent three fabulous days at Maja's incredible cottage. Wonderfully located, perfectly decorated and spotlessly clean. The kitchen had more than enough equipment and spices for us to do all of our cooking at the cottage. We would return to the cottage if we ever return to wonderful Iceland.

Maja is fantastic and extremely helpful on every level. She has a great informational binder at the cottage, and is also very helpful in person.

Gorgeous cottage in an ideal spot to explore south-east Iceland

We stayed at Bjalli for 3 nights in October 2016 and after arriving during the worst storm for 15 years the cottage was a much needed peaceful, welcoming and most importantly warm base! Maja came to check we had arrived safe which was much appreciated and her tips for day trips were invaluable. The cottage has everything you need for a self-catered trip and the views are breathtaking. It's isolated location also meant we saw the Northern Lights clearly, and could top up our wine glasses whilst watching! We had a wonderful break here and would love to return one day.

Magical!

We loved staying at Bjalli! It was perfect for a getaway for the two of us. Perfect privacy, gorgeous views, beautiful home. Everything is clean and well kept. Maja was easy to work with and very accommodating. We would love to return to this special place.

Beautiful Bjalli!

What a wonderful, wonderful cabin. We stayed here for two weeks with our sons (6yrs and 3yrs) and had the most amazing holiday!

The cabin is beautiful - light and airy, very tastefully decorated with beautiful original art on the walls. It's location is to die for - in the middle of a meadow on a hill side overlooking more meadows, herds of Icelandic horses, and Hekla volcano! It's so quite and peaceful.

The cabin is located brilliantly for all of Southern Iceland's main attractions - Gullfoss, thingvellir national park, numerous waterfalls, Vik beach etc. All of them with an hour/ two hours drive.

Maja is a delightful woman - friendly, helpful and so knowledgeable about places to visit. She made us all feel so welcome - Bjalli really was a home from home.

The cabin is well equipped, cosy and warm - and you could sit and look at the views all day along.

Thank You Maja for a wonderful and unforgettable holiday!

Submitted: Aug 24, 2015

Stayed: Jul 2015

Source: HomeAway

Owner's Response: Thank you so much! It was nice meeting you and I enjoyed seeing how much fun your sons had:) Thank you for staying in Bjalli and maybe see you again one day! All the best, Maja

Great stay

We stayed at Bjalli for 5 days and enjoyed it vert much. The cottage was very "homey" which was great. Everything we needed was there already. The distances to the main attractions are reasonable, we could do 2 or 3 on one day without any problems.

Maja is a very nice lady who will give you very nice tips on what to visit and where you can eat great food.

Thanks for a wonderfull stay Maja!

Submitted: Feb 9, 2015

Stayed: Feb 2015

Source: VRBO, from HomeAway

Owner's Response: Thank you for your stay! I am glad you enjoyed it. Maybe see you again some day!

The cottage is in an idyllic & quiet setting approx. 14km from the main ring road nr.1. In 7 km you can reach the next swimming pool and also a very good riding stable (www.herridarholl.is). This is an ideal starting point for all sightseeing in the south of Iceland. Information on trips are in the house: 1. Golden Circle: Geysir, Gullfoss,Thingvellir, 2. Blue Lagoon & coastal road, 3. Skogar waterfall & farm museum, Vik & black beach, bird cliffs, 4. Hekla museum, Thjofafoss waterfall, along the foot of the highlands to the replica of one of the first settlements on Iceland, archeological site Stöng. 5. There is a new ferry harbour (65km away) and you can be in the WESTMAN ISLANDS within 30 min ferry ride. Detailed information in the house!

IN summer you can take a day trip with the highland bus to the hot springs at Landmannalaugar (dep. Hella) or to Thorsmörk.

Eyjafjallajökull & volcano Hekla and more can be seen from our land on a clear day! Northern Lights approx. Sep. - Apr

Golf: There is a 18 hole link course near Hella and a 9 hole golf course in Selfoss. Both approx. 30 min. drive from the house.

Towels included, (also bed linen and tea towels). There are public geothermal pools in all neighbouring villages, the nearest is in Laugarland (6km) with hot pot and steam room. Opening hours in the house.

Bedrooms:

1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4

Bedroom downstairs -
1 king
,
Double bed, can be made up as 2 singles upon request
Sleeping loft, upstairs -
2 twin/ single
,
2 comfortable beds, can be made up as a double upon request

The downstairs bedroom is made up as a double, unless requested as 2 singles. A steep staircase leads up to the sleeping loft with 2 comfortable low beds (2x 90cm wide). Children are very welcome but must be old enough to safely manouver the unsecured ladder/stairs. Bed linen provided. Great spot for watching the NORTHERN LIGHTS (September until April) as there is no ambient lighting in the area. The house is well insulated and heated and very cozy in fall and winter! Floor space 40sqm plus 16 sqm loft.

Entertainment:

Books

Radio

Outside:

Deck / Patio ...

Lawn / Garden

Wood Deck

2 garden chairs

Suitability:

children welcome ...

non smoking only

suitable for elderly or infirm

wheelchair inaccessible

Attractions:

museums

restaurants

volcano

waterfalls

Leisure Activities:

bird watching

horseback riding

scenic drives

sight seeing

walking

whale watching

Local Services & Businesses:

groceries

Sports & Adventure Activities:

equestrian events

fishing

fly fishing

freshwater fishing

golf

hiking

swimming

Notes:

The kitchen is compact but well equipped. Garden furniture is on the terrace. Drinking water directly from the tap, it doesn´t get better than this! Children love sleeping upstairs in the loft. They have to be old enough to climb up the steep stairs savely. Maps of the region and tips and info on things to do and day trips are in the house! Radio, playing cards, candles. Self catering but some essential herbs and spices are in the house. On our land of 130 hectare there are some horse pastures and walking paths which you are welcome to explore, streams and migrating birds nesting everywhere during summer: BIRDWATCHING! During winter you need just a little luck and you could see NORTHERN LIGHTS. Ideal spot as there is no ambient lighting in the area. We gladly give you any advise or assistance while you are staying here!